PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging area farmers to apply to the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s “Fall Covers for Spring Savings” cover crop program to receive a discounted crop insurance rate in spring 2021.
“This is a very exciting program that can benefit soil health and protect water quality on and around our farms,” Joyce said. “I strongly encourage local farmers to take this program into consideration when making their fall planting decisions.”
The program allows eligible applicants to receive a $5 per acre premium discount on the following year’s crop insurance invoice for every acre of cover crop enrolled and verified in the program.
The goal of the program is to encourage farmers to plant additional acres of cover crops that are not covered by other state or federal incentives.
“Cover crops are a great way to keep soil anchored, salvage nitrogen, capture carbon and create weed suppression,” said Jerry Costello II, Acting Director of Agriculture. “In the long run, cover crops will help Illinois farmers reduce the need for fertilizer and reach the goals of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.”
Any farmer with coverage through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency crop insurance program is eligible to apply.
Applications will be available in December on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website. For questions or additional information, contact the department at (217) 782-6297.
KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) released the following statement Tuesday in response to new COVID-19 mitigation measures in Region 7, which includes Will and Kankakee Counties:
“The new mitigation efforts imposed in our region will require us to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If we want to get back to where we were at the beginning of Phase 4, I urge residents to take the appropriate steps to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing, wearing masks and adhering to other health and safety guidelines put in place by our public health officials.
“As we work through these new mitigation measures, let’s not forget about our small business community. Local businesses still need our patronage in the weeks ahead. Order takeout. Purchase gift cards. I urge you to join this effort and do your part to overcome this pandemic.”
PARK FOREST – To help residents pay their electric bills during times of economic hardship, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging residents to apply for aid through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“With many Illinoisans facing income losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, families across the state are struggling to keep the lights on,” Joyce said. “Residents who need help paying their utility bills should take advantage of the LIHEAP program to relieve some of that financial burden.”
LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households and senior citizens afford home energy services, including heating, gas, propane and electricity. Enrollment for LIHEAP is currently underway and will continue through June 2021. Joyce is urging seniors and households in need of assistance, especially those with disconnection notices or high past-due balances, to apply online as soon as possible.
“It’s important for people to know there is assistance available,” Joyce said. “As we continue to navigate this pandemic, this program could help low-income families and seniors keep their utilities running.”
To find a local administering agency near you, visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.
KANKAKEE – In an effort to support economic development in underserved communities, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Kankakee will receive a grant through the Fast Track Public Infrastructure Capital program.
“It’s critical that we continue to update our infrastructure to meet the needs of our residents,” Joyce said. “Making streets more accessible is a vital step toward improving safety and mobility in our community.”
The Fast Track program was created by the state to provide emergency assistance for businesses and communities facing economic hardship during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Currently, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched more than $300 million in emergency relief programs, with most of the funding available for businesses.
The City of Kankakee was awarded $1.8 million for ADA sidewalk improvements. To be considered for funding, applicants were required to prove projects were located in an underserved area, promoted economic development for diverse business and could start within 90 days after being awarded.
“I appreciate the leadership of Governor Pritzker and Senator Joyce for prioritizing capital funds during the pandemic. Not only do these funds support infrastructure projects, but they create jobs,” said Kankakee Mayor Chastity Wells-Armstrong. “Furthermore, this administration will continue to move Kankakee forward by pursuing every opportunity for funding and addressing equity in our community as we target areas in the city which have experienced divestment during the last several decades.”
The Fast Track program is made possible through the Illinois statewide construction plan, known as Rebuild Illinois. For a list of cities that have been awarded Fast Track grants, click here.
PARK FOREST – As small businesses work to recover from the ongoing coronavirus crisis, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) intends to highlight the ways business owners are prioritizing safety for their employees and customers by touring the businesses of the 40th District.
“Small businesses enhance our neighborhoods and stimulate our local economy,” Joyce said. “I look forward to hearing from small business owners, so we can empower and support them as they work to maintain a safe environment and get back on their feet during this awful pandemic.”
Joyce said he hopes to tour restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons. All tours will be in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines and restrictions, including wearing a mask and social distancing.
Applications are open, and interested business owners can find the application at http://SenatorPatrickJoyce.com/SmallBusinessTours. Joyce plans to start the program in the coming weeks and requests businesses to submit requests soon. Once the application is received, a member of Joyce’s team will respond with additional details.
Those with questions can contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.
PARK FOREST – A total of 26 local businesses have been awarded a combined $480,000 in grants through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, prompting State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) to extend his congratulations to the recipients.
“Small businesses give so much to our community, but right now they are struggling to stay afloat,” Joyce said. “BIG grants can help these establishments move one step closer to financial recovery.”
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.
First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.
“I am committed to supporting relief efforts so businesses affected by this crisis can come out on top,” Joyce said. “I encourage any area business searching for financial relief to apply for future rounds of Business Interruption Grants.”
To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding. The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.
PARK FOREST – In an effort to provide financial and technical support to the dairy industry in Illinois, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is urging dairy farmers and businesses apply for grants through the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA).
“Every dairy farmer should look at this grant opportunity,” Joyce, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee said. “These grants are designed to help dairy producers and processors expand, while promoting more entrepreneurial efforts.”
DBIA, a joint effort coordinated by the Center for Dairy Research and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, was designed to support and promote the diversification and addition of value-added products to the Midwest dairy industry.
Goals of the program include increasing on-farm diversification, creating value-added dairy products like specialty cheeses, and expanding export opportunities for farm-scale and processor dairy products.
The grant application period is now open. A total of $220,000 in funds is available, with individual projects eligible for up to $20,000 each. The deadline to complete and return applications is Aug. 14. Selected producers and business owners will be notified Sept. 4.
For questions or additional information, call DBIA at 608-265-1491 or visit https://turbo.cdr.wisc.edu/dairy-business-innovation-alliance/.
PARK FOREST — With pandemic-related stress weighing heavily on many Illinoisans, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) is encouraging residents to explore to the Illinois Department of Human Services’ new mental health programs.
“The additional stressors people are facing caused by the pandemic can be difficult to navigate with the uncertainty around us,” Joyce said. “Pandemic or not, we need to focus on people’s mental health, and these new programs will ensure there are resources available for those in need.”
IDHS introduced three new programs Monday to help Illinoisans struggling with mental health, developed in coordination with community mental health centers and nontraditional service providers across the state.
The first new program, the Living Room Program, is designed specifically for those in need of a crisis respite program to divert crises and break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. It provides a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere where people can calmly process a crisis event while learning how to avoid a future crisis.
The Transitional Living Centers Program is a housing resource for people with mental illnesses who are in need of a place to stay while they work to find permanent housing.
Additionally, the Transitional Community Care and Support Programs offer assistance to current patients of state-operated psychiatric hospitals who are preparing to be discharged. It will include funding for non-traditional supports, such as cell phones, food, clothing, transportation and other resources that are necessary for individuals to succeed as they transition back into communities.
Individuals seeking help from the Living Room Program may be referred by first responders or medical professionals. Participants of the other two programs will be referred by IDHS and other providers. Anyone who thinks they may benefit from these programs should talk to their mental health provider.
For more information and to find additional mental health resources, click here.
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